How do the Sox feel about him exactly? You honestly think they feel he isn’t a high end defensive SS because they play him at 3B some? If not, why do you think they keep doing this? Do they just like playing guys out of their optimized spots for fun? You must have some theory on the why behind this malpractice. Also, several cracks in your post. Colson definitely does NOT have the best range amongst SS’s per Statcast. Witt’s OAA is more than double Colson’s and is hands down the best. And while I do think Colson is a tremendous defensive SS, it’s funny that you ignore DRS where he’s currently at -1. Most importantly, Colson has also been elite at 3B, which is part of the reason his OAA is in the 100th percentile (that isn’t just SS). SSS, but when adjusted for playing time, his 3B defenses would amongst the very best by both OAA/FRV & DRS. If you compare Colson’s fWAR per PA, it’s nearly identical between SS & 3B right now (and that’s using Statcast defensive data). As such, from a total value consideration, when Vargas or Murakami needs a day off, the question becomes who is the best backup at SS or 3B since Colson can provide high value at both spots. And it’s very clear they don’t love their other 3B options from a defensive standpoint, which is why we’ve seen Colson shift to 3B in such scenarios. So Venable isn’t really an idiot, but trying to optimize the roster as currently constructed. When Murray was on the bench, Venable kept Colson at SS when Vargas or Murakami needed time off and would play Tanner at 3B. I will not defend the relentless bunting as I find it to be incredibly stupid, but I refuse to be upset about a manager rotating around a guy between two spots he’s extremely good at defensively to optimize the broader lineup.